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Pyramids

Cairo

Image by Alex Azabache

Best time to go

The best time to visit is between October and April, when temperatures are cooler, but still pleasantly warm across the country. 

JTA holidays, Ratehawk, Back Office, Major Travel, Insight Vacations, Newmarket

 

Hotels with view of pyramids:

Marriott Mena House in Giza-

Beautiful views of the pyramids- closest to the entrance.

 

Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa

You’ll love lounging by the pool with the Great Pyramids as your backdrop!

 

The Panorama Pyramids Inn 

Good choice for a reasonably priced hotel in close proximity to the pyramids. The view of the Giza Complex from the rooftop terrace is incredible

 

Egypt Pyramids Inn 

Excellent views from the rooftop terrace! You’ll enjoy breakfast while overlooking the Giza Complex, and you can come back in the evenings to catch the view of the light show from the roof.

For River Nile View

 

Sonesta St. George

Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza

Grand Nile Tower Hotel

Kempinski Nile Hotel

Sofitel Cairo Nile

The Nile Ritz Carlton

Other hotels in Cairo tried and tested

                                                              

Steigenberger Hotel Tahir

Barcelo  Cairo Pyramids

Stegienberger Pyramids

                    

Most popular supplier(s) to use

Recommended Resorts:

Image by Omar Elsharawy

River Nile Cruise with dinner and show

Guided Tour To Alexandria From Cairo

Egyptian Museum Citadel and Khan Khalili Bazaar

Add on 3 night Nile Cruise

Quad Biking

Giza Pyramids tour, all inclusive, camel ride, entrance, museum, Saqqara

Felucca boat ride on Nile

Day Trips or Multi-city trips

 

Dahshur, Saqqara, & Memphis

 

The pyramids of Dahshur are less crowded and even older than the Pyramids of Giza. You can explore the inner chambers which are supposed to be much more exciting than going inside the Giza Pyramids.

Saqqara is home to the step pyramid of Djoser – the oldest pyramid.  Memphis was the original capital city of Egypt and now has an open air museum. 

Valley of Whales and Wadi Rayan

Day trip to Luxor 

Image by Omar Elsharawy

Must do activities/excursions

Insider tips

Hire a guide and driver- your day will go far smoother, you will walk less, learn more and won’t get irritated by the multiple vendors trying to sell you things or take your pictures for tips.

✅ Take the camel ride from the camel market - the views from this ride are amazing and the camel boys will hook you up with the most amazing pictures.

✅ You can gain entry to the pyramids for a further fee but note it’s crazy hot and claustrophobic in there (I don’t recommend it).

✅ Reply ‘No thank you.’ When approached by vendors, if you say, ‘I’ll think about it,” or “later,” you will be followed around until you buy something.

✅ Do NOT take the bus trip from Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh or Luxor. It is hot, tiring and rushed. By the time you get to the pyramids, you won’t be in the mood. It’s the cheaper option but it is by no means the better option. The flight is only 50 mins to 1 hour and you only need to be at the airport 1.5 hours before.

✅ Get lunch/dinner at Abou Shakra- it is opposite the sphinx and has the best views of the pyramid right from the restaurant and the food was delicious!

✅ Go for the early session, it is quieter and less hot. The pyramids are open from 8am-4pm in the colder months and 7-6pm in the warmer months. 

✅ Do not buy any souvenirs, papyrus etc at the pyramids itself. These are of poor quality and fake.

✅ Wear comfortable shoes (no sandals, heels or flip flops- your feet will get filthy.

✅ Dress code: dress modestly, no low cut, tight or short clothing for both men and women. Advise you to bring sun hats and sun glasses.

✅ If you’re staying for a night in Cairo, highly recommend the night light show at the pyramids- if you want to see it for free 🙈 stay at one of the pyramid view hotels or eat at Pizza Hut/Abou Shakra for dinner.

✅ ‘Baksheesh’, as in tips, these are pretty much expected everywhere in Egypt for everything. Brits, I suggest you change your notes in for pound coins for the smaller tips. Tipping in Egyptian pounds, you rarely get notes smaller than £50 egp (£2).

✅ You can do this solo without a guide and if you do decide to do that, getting an Uber to the pyramids would be your best bet.

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